Description:This course examines how different economic theories yield different concepts of and policies for economic development. Economics has always included alternative theories or paradigms. Today’s mainstream neoclassical economics contends with the different Keynesian and Marxian economics. They differently understand basic issues: e.g., causes and cures for poverty, strategies for economic growth, and deepening inequalities of wealth and income. Policies, politics, and global affairs are shaped by the contending economic theories. This course explores how and why their differences matter so much to international affairs. The major reading will be: R. Wolff and S. Resnick, Contending Economic Theories: Neoclassical, Keynesian and Marxian. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2012. No advanced background in economics is required. Professor Wolff will gladly answer questions about the course for any interested student.